November 04, 2011

Isle of Man TT Record Setter at SEMA Show

At one corner of the Subaru display at this year's SEMA Show is the car driven by Mark Higgins to set a speed record on the Isle of Man. Here's what the display sign had to say:

"Subaru driver Mark Higgins set an all-time fastest lap averaging 115.356 MPH on the iconic Isle of Man TT Snaefell Mountain Course driving a U.S.-specification 2011 Subaru WRX STI. The previous record of 100 MPH stood for 21 years. The single lap of 37.7 miles took 19 minutes 37 seconds with the WRX STI hitting speeds in excess of 162 MPH.

"The WRX STI was a production U.S.-spec car running a standard 305 HP turbocharged boxer engine. Some safety modifications were made. The Subaru was equipped with a Lifeline fire suppression system, Hockley Motorsports roll cage, Motordrive competition seats, Mintex brake pads (but stock calipers and rotors), and an open exhaust to warn spectators of the oncoming car. The speed limiter was turned off to allow a higher maximum speed; springs and dampers were changed to accommodate the numerous high-speed jumps on the circuit, sending the WRX STI almost four feet off the ground. The car ran on street-legal Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires."

Next to the WRX STI is a flat-screen monitor showing a video of Mark Higgins' drive. Mark is the brother of Subaru Rally Team USA David Higgins.